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Grand Forks County, North Dakota — County Report Card

ND

#51 in North Dakota

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
40.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 80.5Income & Jobs 62.8

County Report Card

About Grand Forks County, North Dakota

Below the National Livability Median

Grand Forks County carries a composite score of 40.5, trailing the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests the county faces more significant livability hurdles than the average American county.

Trailing the North Dakota Average

The county's score of 40.5 sits significantly below the North Dakota state average of 61.5. Challenges in safety and cost sectors weigh down its standing among state peers.

Robust Healthcare and Income Levels

Health remains a major asset with a score of 80.5, while a median household income of $68,450 keeps the income score at a respectable 62.8. Residents benefit from strong medical infrastructure even as other metrics lag.

Significant Safety and Cost Hurdles

A safety score of 8.4 and a cost score of 24.3 highlight critical areas where the county struggles. With median home values at $244,200 and high relative costs, affordability is a growing concern for locals.

Best for Health-Focused Professionals

This county is best suited for those who prioritize access to medical care and steady wages over safety or low housing costs. It serves as a regional hub where professional opportunities offset higher living expenses.

Score breakdown

Tax29.3Cost24.3Safety8.4Health80.5Schools58Income62.8Risk42.3Water86Weather44.6
🏛29.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤80.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨60.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Walsh County
North Dakota
54.6
Traill County
North Dakota
64.5
Marshall County
Minnesota
69.1
Polk County
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Steele County
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Nelson County
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Pembina County
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Norman County
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Deep Dives

Grand Forks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grand Forks County

via TaxByCounty

Grand Forks taxes match the nation

Grand Forks County's effective tax rate of 1.128% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.1%, placing this county right at the middle of the pack nationally. The median tax bill of $2,754 matches the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher home values and a rate slightly above average.

Highest-taxed county in North Dakota

Grand Forks ranks first in effective tax rate among all 53 North Dakota counties at 1.128%, well above the state average of 0.885%. This 28% premium reflects the county's need to fund services for its larger population and greater property values.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Grand Forks's rate of 1.128% far exceeds neighboring Golden Valley (0.930%), Griggs (0.906%), and LaMoure (0.968%) counties. Only Hettinger County matches this burden at 1.128%, making Grand Forks a regional outlier in tax pressure.

What a typical homeowner pays

On the median home value of $244,200, Grand Forks homeowners pay roughly $2,754 annually in property taxes. With mortgage insurance, that bill rises to $2,881—among the highest in the state.

High valuations deserve close review

Grand Forks's higher assessments mean homeowners have more to gain from a reassessment challenge. If your home was last valued more than three years ago, request a review—potential savings could exceed $300 annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grand Forks County

via CostByCounty

Grand Forks rents pinch household budgets harder

Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% signals affordability strain—renters here dedicate a noticeably larger share of income to housing than the national norm. A median income of $68,450 falls short of the national median by $6,305, yet median rent of $971 runs well above state averages.

Tightest rental market in the survey

At 17.0%, Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest among these eight North Dakota counties and well above the state average of 12.8%. The median rent of $971 reflects university demand and regional economic activity that push costs upward.

Urban pressure drives higher housing costs

Grand Forks's $971 rent stands significantly above rural neighbors like Griggs County ($606) and LaMoure County ($607), reflecting the county's larger population and University of North Dakota influence. Homebuyers here face median values of $244,200—the highest in this group—nearly double some neighboring counties.

Rent dominates, ownership costs surge

Renters spend $971 monthly (17% of income), while homeowners face $1,229 in monthly costs—the steepest owner burden in the survey. On a $68,450 median income, housing easily exceeds the recommended 30% threshold for many households.

Grand Forks rewards higher earners and seekers of urban life

If you're moving to Grand Forks for university employment or a professional career, verify your salary exceeds the county median to maintain housing comfort. Renters and buyers here need household incomes above $75,000 to breathe easily—or consider nearby rural counties for significant savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grand Forks County

via IncomeByCounty

Grand Forks slightly lags national income

Grand Forks County's median household income of $68,450 falls $6,305 short of the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the middle tier of U.S. counties, reflecting a moderate earning profile for a region anchored by a university and military presence.

Mid-range earnings within North Dakota

Grand Forks County ranks 25th among North Dakota's 53 counties, earning $3,913 below the state average of $72,537. Despite being home to the University of North Dakota and Grand Forks Air Force Base, household incomes here trail the state median.

Mixed results against neighboring counties

Grand Forks County's $68,450 income edges out Griggs County ($64,737) but trails nearby Walsh County and Nelson County across the Minnesota border. The presence of institutional employers helps sustain incomes, though agricultural volatility affects surrounding communities.

Rent consumes a notable share of income

Grand Forks County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% remains below the danger zone of 30%, though higher than many rural counties. With a median home value of $244,200—the highest among these eight counties—homeownership requires careful financial planning but rental housing remains accessible.

Strategic planning can strengthen financial position

Grand Forks households earning $68,450 can still build wealth through disciplined budgeting and investment. Explore employer retirement benefits, especially through the university or military, and consider consulting financial advisors about diversifying beyond housing into stocks, bonds, and education savings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grand Forks County

via CrimeByCounty

Grand Forks Urban Safety Profile

Grand Forks County reports a total crime rate of 2,938.6 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a safety score of 95.4, reflecting localized urban challenges rather than widespread danger.

Higher Activity Than State Peers

With a safety score below the state average of 98.5, Grand Forks ranks as a more active law enforcement environment. Its total crime rate is nearly triple the North Dakota state average of 976.6.

A Busy Regional Hub

As a regional hub, Grand Forks sees significantly higher crime rates than rural neighbors like Nelson or Traill Counties. Six reporting agencies manage a caseload much larger than surrounding agricultural districts.

Property Crime Drives the Numbers

Property crime drives the figures here, reaching 2,660.2 per 100,000 residents compared to 278.4 for violent crime. This indicates that theft and property-related incidents are the primary public safety concerns.

Securing Your Urban Home

Higher property crime rates make smart home security and neighborhood watch programs essential for residents. Secure your entry points and keep valuables out of sight to minimize risk in this busy corridor.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grand Forks County

via HealthByCounty

Grand Forks exceeds national health standards

Grand Forks County residents live to 78.6 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 78.9 years, with 15.8% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national 18%. This positions the county solidly in the healthier range for American counties.

Above state average on longevity

At 78.6 years, Grand Forks life expectancy exceeds North Dakota's 77.5-year average by 1.1 years. The county's 15.8% poor health rate is also better than typical state outcomes, reflecting strong community health management.

Regional health leader

Grand Forks' 78.6-year life expectancy outperforms Grant County (76.6 years) and Hettinger County (77.9 years) by meaningful margins. With 15.8% poor health rates, the county also ranks better than regional peers like Grant (18.6%).

Strong primary and mental health access

Grand Forks offers robust healthcare infrastructure with 122 primary care providers and 384 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, both well above state and national benchmarks. Just 6.4% of residents lack health insurance, the second-lowest rate among comparison counties.

Maximize coverage in Grand Forks

Although 6.4% of residents remain uninsured, Grand Forks' excellent provider network means accessing care is easier than ever. Check Healthcare.gov to find plans that match your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grand Forks County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional Education Hub

Grand Forks County features an extensive education system with 29 public schools and a total enrollment of 9,474 students. The infrastructure includes 17 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 7 high schools across 8 districts. This diverse array of facilities supports a wide range of academic and extracurricular needs for a growing population.

Competitive Performance in a Large System

The county maintains an 87.5% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state average of 84.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite its size, the county spends $9,101 per pupil, which is slightly lower than the state average of $9,385. The composite school score of 56.7 remains above the state median, reflecting consistent quality across its many classrooms.

Grand Forks 1 Anchors the County

GRAND FORKS 1 is the dominant district, serving 7,597 students across 18 different schools. Other significant districts include LARIMORE 44 and MIDWAY 128, which provide localized education to the county's smaller communities. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning all 9,400+ students attend traditional public institutions.

A Mix of City and Country Schools

The county offers a diverse locale mix with 16 schools in city settings and 11 in rural areas. Students may attend large facilities like RED RIVER HIGH SCHOOL, which enrolls 1,137 students, or smaller neighborhood elementary schools. The average school size of 338 students reflects a blend of urban scale and small-town accessibility.

Diverse Options for Growing Families

Homebuyers in Grand Forks County can choose between vibrant city neighborhoods near large high schools or quiet rural properties served by local districts. With graduation rates that beat state and national averages, the area is a prime destination for families prioritizing education. Explore the diverse residential pockets that feed into some of the region's top-rated schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grand Forks County

via RiskByCounty

Grand Forks Faces Above-Average Risk

Grand Forks County's composite risk score of 57.67 earns a Relatively Low rating, but it's substantially higher than the national average. The county faces meaningful exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding and severe weather.

North Dakota's Highest-Risk County

Grand Forks County ranks as the highest-risk county in North Dakota with a composite score of 57.67, more than double the state average of 22.19. This position reflects the county's vulnerability to flood, tornado, and wildfire hazards.

Significantly Riskier Than Surrounding Counties

Grand Forks County's 57.67 risk score dwarfs neighboring Golden Valley (13.07) and Grant (14.79), making it a notable outlier in the region. The Red River valley geography that defines the county creates elevated flood exposure its neighbors don't share.

Flooding, Tornadoes, and Wildfire Threats

Grand Forks County faces triple hazard exposure: flood risk at 61.70, tornado risk at 60.66, and wildfire risk at 55.31. These overlapping vulnerabilities require comprehensive preparation and insurance planning year-round.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Essential Here

Grand Forks County residents must secure comprehensive coverage including flood insurance (often excluded from standard homeowners policies) and adequate protection against wind and tornado damage. Consider an umbrella policy to close gaps across your flood, wind, and wildfire exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grand Forks County

via WeatherByCounty

Grand Forks Faces a Rugged Continental Climate

With an average annual temperature of 40.0°F, Grand Forks is significantly cooler than the national median of approximately 55°F. This humid continental region experiences dramatic seasonal shifts typical of the northern plains.

Trailing the State Temperature Average

The county's 40.0°F annual average sits one full degree below the North Dakota state average of 41.0°F. This makes it one of the cooler jurisdictions in a state already known for its frigid conditions.

Colder than Neighbors to the West

Grand Forks remains slightly warmer than Griggs County to the south, which averages 39.3°F. However, it cannot match the 42.8°F average seen in southwestern counties like Grant.

Frigid Winters Meet Mild Summers

Winter temperatures plummet to a mean of 10.3°F, supported by 48.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summers are pleasant but short, with July averaging 69.0°F and only 7 days reaching above 90°F.

Prepare for Deep Freezes and Snow

High-efficiency heating systems are essential to handle January lows that average 6.4°F. Residents should also invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment to manage the nearly 50 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grand Forks County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils of the Red River Valley

Grand Forks County has a notably alkaline soil profile with an average pH of 7.32, well above the national median of 6.5. The county's overall soil score of 60.5 reflects a solid foundation, though it slightly trails the state average of 63.2.

Balanced Texture for Northern Agriculture

The earth here is a mix of 40.0% silt, 37.2% sand, and 22.9% clay. This relatively high clay percentage compared to neighboring counties helps retain nutrients but requires careful timing to avoid compaction during wet years.

Strong Organic Matter for Growing

The soil contains 4.18% organic matter, significantly beating the national average of 2.0% despite being lower than the North Dakota average. An available water capacity of 0.187 in/in matches the state average, providing reliable moisture for valley crops.

Managing Moisture in Silt and Clay

Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the 22.9% clay content suggests the soil may drain more slowly than sandier regions. Proper field management is key to navigating the high water retention capabilities of this landscape.

Potatoes and Grains in Zone 4a

This Zone 4a environment is famous for potatoes, sugar beets, and small grains that love the mineral-rich soil. Local gardeners should look for plants that tolerate slightly alkaline conditions to make the most of this fertile ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grand Forks County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success in Grand Forks

With a lawn difficulty score of 59.8, Grand Forks is one of the easier places in North Dakota to maintain a yard. This score comfortably beats the state average of 54.0 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 4a climate offers a reliable foundation for cool-season turf.

Cooler Summers and Healthier Rain Totals

Grand Forks receives 22.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the North Dakota average of 19.5 inches. Extreme heat is rarely a concern, as the county only sees 7 days above 90°F per year. This cooler profile reduces moisture evaporation and stress on the grass.

Managing Silt and High pH

The soil pH of 7.32 is slightly alkaline, meaning many lawns benefit from targeted fertilizer applications to stay healthy. The mix of 22.9% clay and 37.2% sand provides a balanced texture, though specific drainage data is not available. Regular aeration can help prevent soil compaction in these clay-influenced areas.

Exceptional Drought Resilience

The county has experienced 0 weeks in drought over the last year, a remarkable figure for the region. Only 1% of the area is currently marked as abnormally dry, keeping lawns lush without heavy restrictions. Smart irrigation should still be used to maintain this resilience during shorter dry spells.

Prime Time for Red River Grass

Kentucky Bluegrass thrives here due to the cooler summer days and adequate moisture. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on May 11 to give your lawn time to establish before fall arrives on September 28. Robust growth is highly achievable with standard maintenance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grand Forks County's county score?
Grand Forks County, North Dakota has a composite county score of 40.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Grand Forks County rank among counties in North Dakota?
Grand Forks County ranks #51 among all counties in North Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Grand Forks County, North Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Grand Forks County is $2,754, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Grand Forks County a tax score of 29.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grand Forks County?
The median household income in Grand Forks County, North Dakota is $68,450 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grand Forks County earns an income score of 62.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grand Forks County, North Dakota a good place to live?
Grand Forks County scores 40.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in North Dakota. The best way to evaluate Grand Forks County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Grand Forks County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.